Slave Labor processing Shrimp

I spent most of 1967 in Thailand, and did a fair amount of traveling and sightseeing. At that time, the people seemed quite friendly and honest...it appears that things have changed in the past 50 years. If slavery and human trafficking are becoming the norm for their exports, I will add Thailand to the list of nations whose products I will avoid.
 
Shalimar said:
India also has a huge pedophile/trafficking problem. I believe it has one of the largest percentages of slaves in south east Asia. Some children are unaware of what a school is.
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If our Western governments weren't run by the Rich Oligarchs, they would put a massive tariff on these Asian nations products...such that it would make their Slave Labor unprofitable, and perhaps begin to make their producers treat their people better.
 
Don, what a fabulous idea. Some of these kids have never set foot off their place of servitude. They are completely ignorant of what occurs outside their little piece of hell. How can first world countries "aspire"to be civilised when we permit/encourage

such barbarism? One benefit of social media is the newfound awareness/semi transparency around some of,the world's guilty big secrets. Years ago, when I raised issues such as these, people scoffed and called me delusional.
 
I read through all of the article, and came away disgusted for more than one reason alone. The U.S. State Department looks the other way because Thailand is a "vitally important strategic ally" of the U.S. Strategic?? To what? Access to other countries like it??

Disgusting. imp
 
Why then surprise? Our first world countries, America and Canada included, are rife with human trafficking/exploitation. If our
governments are indifferent to this, why would they bleed anything but crocodile tears for these abominations overseas. Power trumps compassion in government chess.
 
Appalled but not surprised. I think they've had several clothing factory fires in that region(not Thailand) over the last several years including factories used by all the big stores. Foxcon in China manufacturers for most western computer manufacturers. Until the consumers speak with their money this will continue.
 
WhatInThe said:
Appalled but not surprised. I think they've had several clothing factory fires in that region(not Thailand) over the last several years including factories used by all the big stores. Foxcon in China manufacturers for most western computer manufacturers. Until the consumers speak with their money this will continue.
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They will speak with their votes next year, and thus preserve the status quo. imp
 
Yes, we have had some human trafficking even in Fresno, so I am not surprised to hear of it elsewhere, which I have for years on end. Very sad. :( And I do love shrimp. :( I don't boycott any product because I think our cloths (from high end stores), jewelry, and all kinds of food very often come from slave labor. Including a lot of the items we buy (toys, do-dad, knick knacks, Christmas ornaments, etc) from China.
 
whatinthe said:
appalled but not surprised. I think they've had several clothing factory fires in that region(not thailand) over the last several years including factories used by all the big stores. Foxcon in china manufacturers for most western computer manufacturers. Until the consumers speak with their money this will continue.
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+1qft
 
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Butterfly said:
ABC news says Thailand has a huge child sex tourism industry, as well.
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That's hardly new. It's been going on for decades, mainly in Bangkok, for decades.

Slave labor and human trafficking is common in many countries. I had been refusing to shop at a store called Primark in the UK because their products were made by child labor, then I discovered that the expensive departments stores also got their clothes from factories with child labor, only they are of higher quality.

The majority of people will say how awful all of this is but they will continue to buy clothes and other items from the same places, and they won't stop buying shrimp.

DonM, Thailand in many places is still very friendly. I find the people on the island where we are staying to be very friendly and polite and helpful. And we will likely come back again next winter. For those who say they'd never visit, don't. Simple.
 
Shalimar said:
Annie, we don't do much about the slave industry on this continent, perhaps we should address that also while pointing fingers at third world countries.
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Good idea! Some don't want to criticize what happens in their own country, just point fingers at the 'bad' countries.
 
As a devout shrimp lover I will check to make sure that mine comes from China or Vietnam Nam rather than Thailand...
 
Good luck finding out Ralphy. I eat quite a lot of shrimp here in Thailand but I can see the fisherman who go out and catch it. None look like slaves. I think that all gets shipped to the US.
 
OK, as a devout hedonist I'll just buy the shrimp at the best price and not look at the country of origin...
 
Ralphy1 said:
OK, as a devout hedonist I'll just buy the shrimp at the best price and not look at the country of origin...
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It's a story in the news. Few will actually change what they buy. They might say to boycott on FB, but that'll last about a week.
 

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